The Jewish community of Omsk is one of many communities to have responded to the appeal made by Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar to assist people who have been affected by the serious fires that recently occurred in certain parts of the country.
The Jewish community of Omsk collected donations and transferred funds to the Jewish community of Bryansk, which is carrying out a massive campaign to assist victims in the Bryansk region.
“By participating in the campaign, we are demonstrating our unity and the fact that we care about our fellow countrymen,” commented Chief Rabbi of Omsk Region Osher Krichevsky. “This campaign is not just strengthening the victims in a monetary sense but in a moral sense as well; the victims see that they are receiving support not only from the state but also their fellow citizens. This is a small contribution that we can make to help those who have lost their homes and property, and who are effectively being held hostage by this terrible situation.”
Rabbi Krichevsky added that if possible, they will strive to help people from other cities or regions affected by the fires. “If we can find something positive in this entire situation, it is that the hearts and hands of the people have opened to their fellow countrymen who have been struck by tragedy,” noted Rabbi Krichevsky.
The Jewish community of Omsk in western Siberia, and Bryansk, located near the Ukrainian border, are both members of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia.